April - Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis is named after the legend of St. Walburga, who was a monastery nun in the 8th century. It is celebrated on 30 April, the day of her canonisation. It is believed that on that day witches ride on broomsticks to places of old pagan sacrifices in the Harz Mountains.
The Brocken, also known as the Blocksberg, is considered the main hotspot of Walpurgisnight. But today, Walpurgis is celebrated in nearly all the towns of the Harz region - as well as in Goslar.
June - Liberal Arts and Performing Arts Days
For ten days Goslar is enlivened by international liberal arts and performing arts acts. Whether the Kulturkraftwerk Harz Energie (Cultural Power Plant Harz Energy), the educational institution Bildungshaus Zeppelin or one of the numerous programmes for young people – there is a colourful potpourri of puppet theatre, drama, comedy, a capella choir, cabaret and chansons for young and old.
July - Riflemen’s and Folks Fair at the Osterfeld
Fast-moving rides, delicacies, fireworks full of atmosphere, games and fun with friends and family: Every year in early July, the Schützen- und Volksfest Goslar (Riflemen’s and folk festival) is a popular event.
Under the motto "You will experience quite something there", a lively crowd is gathering on the fairground of around 86,000 square meters. Bar and snack stalls entice you with tasty fairground delicacies. And fast funfair rides guarantee big excitement: In addition to the classics such as the Jaguar and the Giant Ferris wheel, visitors can expect new action-packed highlights every year. By contrast, the mood is more relaxed on the popular Pott- und Krammarkt (Pots and clobber market). While browsing through the market lanes, you will find all sorts of useful and surprising stuff. Friday at 11 pm, fireworks will illuminate the fairground with a romantic flickering light and thus create a festive atmosphere.
First weekend in August - Arts and Handicrafts Market
For three decades, a fixed date in Goslar's agenda has been the Arts and Crafts Fair on the first weekend of August. Many residents believe that this event, organized every year since 1988, is the most attractive in the whole year.
Around 150 stalls in the historic Old Town of Goslar attract thousands of visitors from near and far. Lovingly-designed small masterpieces and creative craftsmanship are presented around the Marktkirche (Market Church), in the picturesque Schuhhof (Shoe Yard) and on the Markt (Marketplace), in and around the large Holy Cross, on the banks of the river Abzucht and around the Jakobikirche (Church of Saint James).
Each guild can exhibit and present its products in the perfect setting of the cobbled streets and squares and in front of the half-timbered houses.
August - International Music Festival Goslar-Harz
The International Music Festival Goslar-Harz has become an important cultural event in the region and an integral part of a rich tradition of musical life.
Around 60 soloists and chamber musicians, a chamber orchestra and young composers participate in the four-week event in August and September every year. Today's stars of classical music perform together with the stars of tomorrow, putting historical sceneries in a contemporary and forward-looking perspective. In the big concerts of the 'World Heritage Vibes' as well as in the smaller 'HarzReise Concerts', the variety of the venues contributes to the charm of the festival—from churches, the fitter's shop at the old mines of Rammelsberg, various monasteries and other historic facilities that are converted into concert halls for the event.
Second weekend in September - Old Town Festival
For three days and nights in September, the Old Town Festival (Altstadtfest) transforms Goslar into a big, vibrant open air theatre. Visitors can enjoy an animated and varied program of music and family entertainment. On several stages at different locations in the old town, a top-class live music program is offered for free. Various bands and ensembles perform on the main stage at the Market Square around the Marktbrunnen (Market Fountain) and on several other stages in Goslar's scenic old town setting. Every musical taste is catered for, as the program includes numerous styles such as unplugged, soul, rock, Latin and jazz as well as folk music and singer songwriters. Dance groups perform their carefully rehearsed choreography.
September - International Goslar Piano Festival
The Goslar International Piano Festival stands out among the masterclasses for pianists. Participants from several continents meet regularly at this international festival. At the center of the Piano Festival stays the individual work with internationally renowned lecturers of the master class. Obviously, solo concerts of the instructors as well as the participants are part of the festival. But each year‘s highlight is the final concert with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the “Theater für Niedersachsen”.
November/December - Christmas Market with Christmas Forest on the Schuhhof
The traditional Christmas Market on the historic Market Square is a delight for young and old year for year. Many little booths entice visitors to sample the delicious-smelling Christmas delicacies. The Christmas Forest on the Schuhhof beckons visitors into its dense stand of Christmas trees twinkling with thousands of tiny lights and enveloped in the scent of hot mulled wine and tempting winter specialities. A special children’s area near the Market Church caters to the wishes of the younger visitors. Many different supplementary events keep visitors entertained throughout the Christmas season.
If you have questions about these events or would like further information, please do not hesitate to ask us. Just send us an email at Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! and we will be happy to answer all your questions.